Panthers move AHL affiliation to Portland

Portland, ME (SportsNetwork.com) - The Florida Panthers have signed a four- year affiliation agreement with Portland of the American Hockey League.

The Pirates had served as the top affiliate for the Arizona Coyotes since 2011, while the Panthers' AHL home had been San Antonio since the same year.

"We are very excited about this partnership. Florida is a great organization, headed in the right direction in the NHL's Eastern Conference," said Pirates COO Brad Church in a statement Wednesday. "With an exciting roster built around promising young players, our fans will have the chance to see their prospects complete the full development process which will begin here in Portland."

The agreement starts next season and continues through the 2018-19 campaign.